Sunderland have been linked with a shock move for Colorado Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson – but the new regime still prefer to appoint an experienced manager.

A report yesterday linked the Black Cats with former New Zealand boss Hudson, as incoming chairman Stewart Donald draws up a shortlist of candidates to replace Chris Coleman.

Incoming Sunderland majority shareholder Stewart Donald

However, the Echo understands that the new regime will first target managers with Football League experience, particularly those who know what it is like in the third tier of the English game.

Sunderland’s relegation to League One for only the second time presents a new set of challenges for Donald and his international consortium, once their takeover is ratified, and their preference for a new boss is someone who knows the lower leagues well.

Chris Wilder and Michael Appleton have both managed in League One, as has Paul Cook, and remain among the favourites with bookmakers.

There are a number of other names being considered, however, as Donald looks to get the right fit for the role.

Hudson, 37, was born in Seattle but had spells in the youth team at West Ham and Luton Town before focusing on his coaching career.

He was named Newport County manager aged just 30 after a glowing refernece from Harry Redknapp, who likened him to a ‘young Jose Mourinho’ but was sacked after five wins from 18 games. He had a spell as Bahrain national boss before leading New Zealand to the World Cup play-off final where they lost out to Peru.

Hudson, the son of former Chelsea star Alan, was appointed as head coach at MLS side Rapids in November.

He has previously spoken of his desire to work in England, saying: “I want to be managing at the highest level. I want to be a Premier League manager, I want to be in the Champions League.”